1970 Dodge Super Bee Restoration Part 3 - Put A Lid On It

The last time we worked on our project Bee, we had already done some rust repair to the wheel tubs of the car, the rear crossmember, and then we replaced the Dutchman panel. This installment takes us to the front of the car so we can make some changes there. Originally, our Bee came with the N96 Ramcharger hood that featured two scoops leading to an underhood "box" that fed cold air to the carburetor. Knowing our planned engine wasn't going to fit under the hood, we were planning to add a hoodscoop to a flat hood that we had gotten, instead of cutting our already-factory-scooped piece.

2/15Rendering by: www.carsbychris.com

Deciding what scoop to install was a tough decision, as Mopar offered a couple of different styles that would fit on our Bee. Someone even suggested a Cowl Induction hood, but they were quickly flogged and banished from the garage. What we did finally decide on was a scoop that catches anything in its way, and came on the '68 Super Stock cars--the Hemi A-Body scoop. It's big, in your face, and looks great on our car.

The next decision involved hoodpins. Our car came with factory pins, and although they do look great on a Mopar, we thought that we could find something a little different to give our Bee a cool, modern look without detracting from the rest of the car. What we found were panel latches from a company called Aerocatch. The Aerocatch securing system is a self contained fastener that gives a modern look to an old-school hood securing system. Installing both pieces meant cutting metal, so while these jobs can be completed in a day, making sure of what and where you're cutting before you do it is critical.

Parts is Parts

So, when it comes to the parts we used, what do we think? Let me begin by saying that neither the latches nor the hoodscoop takes a rocket scientist to install, but both items will take some planning and forethought before you start cutting and drilling your hood. That being said, the install of both items was able to be done in a single day. As far as the quality of the parts, when it comes to fiberglass parts for classic Mopars, AAR Quality Fiberglass is known for making some of the best. Our hoodscoop didn't disappoint us, as it needed no fixing or work to make it look great on the car. If we could change one thing, we would suggest that the underside of the scoop be finished in a smooth surface much like their hoods already are.

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When it comes to the Aerocatch latches, we really have nothing to compare them to, but still feel that the quality is exceptional. We've heard of knock-offs being made that are inferior to the Aerocatch brand, so buyer beware, and make sure what you're getting. The molded Aerocatch unit's housing is nicely finished without any casting flash, and looks genuinely like a nice piece. The metal pieces inside the housing (hinge pins and spring) are made of stainless steel, and the actual "hood pin" is made of aluminum.